Who is Abhishek Sharma? The batter with the highest individual score for India in men’s T20Is
Indian cricket continues to produce explosive batting talents, and the latest sensation to grab headlines is Abhishek Sharma. The young southpaw created history by registering the highest individual score by an Indian batter in T20 Internationals (T20Is). His remarkable 135-run knock off just 54 balls against England at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai, showcased his prowess and fearless approach to the shortest format of the game.
Abhishek Sharma’s Record-Breaking Knock Against England
In the fifth and final T20I of the series against England in 2025, Abhishek Sharma delivered a masterclass in power-hitting. Coming in at a crucial juncture after Sanju Samson’s early dismissal, Abhishek unleashed an onslaught on England’s bowlers. His innings was laced with 13 sixes and seven fours, propelling him to a staggering strike rate of 250.
With this innings, Abhishek surpassed the previous Indian record of 126*, held by Shubman Gill, who had set the benchmark against New Zealand in February 2023. Notably, Abhishek became the first Indian batter to breach the 130-run mark in T20Is, a testament to his aggressive and fearless batting style.
Highest Individual Scores for India in T20Is
- 135 – Abhishek Sharma vs England, Wankhede (2025)
- 126 – Shubman Gill vs New Zealand, Ahmedabad (2023)*
- 123 – Ruturaj Gaikwad vs Australia, Guwahati (2023)*
- 122 – Virat Kohli vs Afghanistan, Dubai (2022)*
- 121 – Rohit Sharma vs Afghanistan, Bengaluru (2024)*
Fastest T20I Centuries for India
Abhishek Sharma’s breathtaking innings also saw him register the second-fastest T20I century for India. He reached the milestone in just 37 balls, falling just short of Rohit Sharma’s record of 35 balls against Sri Lanka in 2017.
Fastest T20I Centuries by an Indian Batter
- Rohit Sharma: 35 balls vs Sri Lanka (2017)
- Abhishek Sharma: 37 balls vs England (2025)
- Suryakumar Yadav: 45 balls vs England (2022)
How Abhishek Sharma Dismantled England’s Bowling Attack
Abhishek Sharma’s approach was aggressive from the outset. He took on England’s premium pacers, Jofra Archer and Mark Wood, with fearless strokeplay. His knock included:
- A powerful assault on Archer, smashing a four and two sixes in the third over.
- Ruthless striking against Jamie Overton, hitting two consecutive sixes in the fifth over to reach his fifty in record time.
- Dominating England’s bowling attack, ensuring India’s highest-ever Powerplay score in T20Is (95/1 in six overs).
Abhishek Sharma’s consistency and rise in International Cricket
Abhishek Sharma’s journey to this monumental feat has been remarkable. Before this innings, he had already displayed his batting prowess in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, where he equaled the record for the fastest T20 century by an Indian (28-ball century for Punjab in 2024). His consistent performances in domestic cricket paved the way for his rise in international cricket, and he has rapidly established himself as one of India’s most explosive batters in T20Is.
With just 16 T20I innings, Abhishek has already amassed over 500 runs at a strike rate exceeding 190. His ability to dominate bowlers from the first ball makes him an invaluable asset to the Indian team as they build towards upcoming ICC events.
India’s Massive Total and Series Victory
Thanks to Abhishek Sharma’s extraordinary innings, India posted a mammoth total of 247/9 in 20 overs. This remarkable batting display not only helped India set an imposing target but also secured a dominant series victory over England.
India’s previous highest Powerplay score in T20Is was 82 runs, which they had achieved twice (in 2021 and 2024). Abhishek’s blitz ensured that India shattered this record, further cementing their dominance in the match.
What’s Next for Abhishek Sharma?
With his fearless approach and ability to take on world-class bowlers, Abhishek Sharma has positioned himself as one of India’s brightest prospects in T20 cricket. His record-breaking innings against England has not only put him in the spotlight but also raised expectations for his future performances.
As India gears up for future ICC tournaments, Abhishek Sharma’s aggressive style of play will be crucial in providing explosive starts at the top of the order. If he continues this momentum, he could become a mainstay in India’s white-ball setup for years to come.
Conclusion
Abhishek Sharma’s breathtaking 135-run innings against England has etched his name in Indian cricket history. His fearless approach, power-hitting ability, and composure under pressure make him a formidable force in T20 cricket. With records tumbling and milestones being shattered, the cricketing world eagerly awaits what this young batting sensation will achieve next.
Stay tuned for more updates on India’s rising cricket stars and breaking records in the world of T20 cricket!
FAQ’s ?
Abhishek Sharma’s highest individual score in T20Is is 135 runs off 54 balls against England at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai, in 2025.
Abhishek Sharma broke Shubman Gill’s record of 126* runs, which was set against New Zealand in February 2023.
Abhishek Sharma reached his century in just 37 balls, making it the second-fastest T20I century by an Indian batter after Rohit Sharma’s 35-ball century against Sri Lanka in 2017.
Abhishek Sharma smashed 13 sixes and 7 fours in his 135-run knock against England.
During Abhishek Sharma’s explosive innings, India posted their highest-ever Powerplay score in T20Is, scoring 95/1 in the first six overs.